If there are adverse and conflicting claimants to the money, or any
part of it, to be paid as compensation for the property taken, the clerk or the
judge on appeal may direct the money to be paid into the court by the
condemnor, and may determine who is entitled to the same and direct to whom the
same shall be paid, and may order a reference to ascertain the facts on which
such determination and order are to be made. (1871-2, c. 138, s. 19; Code, s. 1947; Rev., s. 2591; C.S., s. 1727;
1981, c. 919, s. 1.)